Padres Rally for Stunning Walk-Off Win Against Mariners

Young star Jackson Merrill delivers game-winning hit in ninth inning comeback

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:11am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy, red, and yellow, conveying the dynamic action and emotion of a baseball game.A fractured, cubist depiction of the Padres' dramatic ninth-inning comeback, capturing the raw energy and excitement of the game-winning hit.San Diego Today

The San Diego Padres overcame a four-run deficit in the bottom of the ninth inning, scoring five runs to secure a stunning 7-6 walk-off victory over the Seattle Mariners. The comeback was sparked by a pinch-hit sacrifice fly from Fernando Tatis Jr. and capped off by a game-winning hit from rising star Jackson Merrill, who also made a spectacular defensive play earlier in the game.

Why it matters

The Padres' thrilling comeback win showcases the team's resilience and ability to win close games, even when trailing late. It also highlights the emergence of young talents like Merrill, who is quickly becoming a key part of the Padres' success. The win extends San Diego's hot streak and keeps them near the top of the NL West standings.

The details

Trailing 6-2 entering the bottom of the ninth, the Padres rallied with five runs to stun the Mariners. Manny Machado drew a walk to start the inning, followed by a Gavin Sheets double and an infield single by Ty France to load the bases. Pinch-hitter Fernando Tatis Jr. then delivered a sacrifice fly to bring home Machado and spark the comeback. Singles by Luis Campusano and Ramon Laureano cut the deficit to 6-5, setting the stage for Merrill's game-winning hit down the left field line.

  • In the top of the third inning, Merrill made a spectacular leaping catch at the wall to rob the Mariners' Julio Rodriguez of a home run.
  • In the bottom of the sixth inning, Xander Bogaerts hit a two-run home run, his 200th career blast, to cut the Padres' deficit to 6-2.
  • The Padres' five-run rally all came in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure the stunning walk-off win.

The players

Jackson Merrill

The Padres' young center fielder who delivered the game-winning hit in the ninth inning and made a spectacular defensive play earlier in the game.

Xander Bogaerts

The Padres' veteran shortstop who hit a crucial two-run home run in the sixth inning to spark the comeback.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

The Padres' star player who came off the bench as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning and delivered a sacrifice fly to start the rally.

Craig Stammen

The Padres' manager who guided the team to the thrilling comeback victory.

Manny Machado

The Padres' All-Star third baseman who scored the tying run in the ninth inning.

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What they’re saying

“That's what a good team does. They don't give up until the very last out.”

— Jackson Merrill, Padres Center Fielder

“I think we continue having good at bats playing the baseball, we need to be playing like, good things like tonight happen.”

— Manny Machado, Padres Third Baseman

“That's definitely up there, man. I think starting off the game with Jackson robbing that homer. Later him walking it off and winning it. So that's pretty epic.”

— Manny Machado, Padres Third Baseman

“He's been the X-Factor. I know it's kind of corny to say, but Xander is raking it. It really juices up a team. Shout out to him. He's been on fire.”

— Jackson Merrill, Padres Center Fielder

“That was an amazing catch. I told him that was the best one he's ever had.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

What’s next

The Padres will look to sweep the Mariners in the series finale before heading up the I-5 to Anaheim on Thursday night, when Walker Buehler is set to face Luis Castillo.

The takeaway

The Padres' thrilling comeback win showcases the team's resilience and ability to win close games, even when trailing late. It also highlights the emergence of young talents like Jackson Merrill, who is quickly becoming a key part of San Diego's success. The win extends the Padres' hot streak and keeps them near the top of the NL West standings.